Missouri requires investor-owned utilities to generate 5% of their energy from renewable sources increasing to 10% (2018 to 2020) and 15% by 2021. IP&L has voluntarily agreed to meet the standards known as renewable portfolio standards.

The requirement is a result of a 2008 voter approved initiative (Proposition C) known as the Missouri Clean Energy Initiative.

Proposition C mandates 15% of the electricity produced by Missouri investor owned utilities comes from renewable sources by 2021, 2% of which must come from solar photo voltaics.

The Mid-America Regional Council is encouraging local communities and utilities to explore how to "solarize" their communities by addressing issues the imbed the adoption of solar options. Download slides from a June 2014 presentation.

IP&L, according to the article in Megawatt Daily (Jan. 6, 2014) said it would consider a request for solar energy proposals during 2014. The amount of energy would not be significant, but is attractive because it solar is most effective during summer when IP&L has peak energy demands.

Missouri requires investor-owned utilities to generate 5% of their energy from renewable sources increasing to 10% (2018 to 2020) and 15% by 2021.

Solar energy was extensively discussed at a March 22 Indy Energy forum which received extensive coverage in The Examiner.

Solar in Missouri

There is extensive active and interest in solar-generated energy in other Missouri communities.

The interest involves both investor-owned utilities and a few municipal-owned utilities.

Columbia, Mo.

Columbia has a municipal-owned utility and a strong commitment to renewable resources.

Columbia voters in 2004 approved a measure requiring the city to generate 5% of its energy from renewable sources by 2013 with a goal of 30% by 2028. Rates cannot increase by more than 3% because of use of renewable energy.